Regulating device for supplying breathable gas to a driver

ABSTRACT

A regulating device for supplying breathable gas to a diver, comprising a housing ( 1 ) which incorporates a regulating valve mechanism ( 3 ) between an inlet port ( 21 ) for the supply gas and an outlet port ( 2 ) where the gas emerges to be breathed, the housing ( 1 ) additionally comprising an exhalation port provided with an exhalation valve ( 4 ) to allow the exhalation gases to be expelled to the outside, the device comprising a deflector ( 5 ) which guides the exhaled gas between a first end connected to the exhalation valve ( 4 ) and a second end ( 15 ) situated in a defined region outside the housing ( 1 ), the gas being conveyed to the inlet port ( 21 ) via a hose ( 6 ) which can be connected to a pressurized gas source, wherein the exhalation port provided with a valve ( 4 ) is situated substantially in the vicinity of a lower end of the housing ( 1 ), and wherein the deflector ( 5 ) has a generally tubular shape, the second end ( 15 ) of the deflector ( 5 ) being open and forming an outlet for the exhaled gas that is situated concentrically around part of the hose ( 6 ).

The present invention relates to a regulating device for supplyingbreathable gas to a diver.

The invention particularly relates to the field of demand valves forsystems for supplying breathable gas to divers.

The invention more specifically relates to a regulating device forsupplying breathable gas to a diver, comprising a housing whichincorporates a regulating valve mechanism between an inlet port for thesupply gas and an outlet port where the gas emerges to be breathed, thehousing additionally comprising an exhalation port provided with anexhalation valve to allow the exhalation gases to be expelled to theoutside, the device comprising a deflector which guides the exhaled gasbetween a first end connected to the exhalation valve and a second endsituated in a defined region outside the housing, the gas being conveyedto the inlet port via a hose which can be connected to a pressurized gassource.

Regulators for pressurized breathable gases intended for underwaterdiving comprise a device, commonly referred to as “demand valve”, whichdelivers a quantity of breathable gas to the diver when he requests toinhale.

The demand valve is the part of the regulator that the diver keeps inhis mouth and which delivers air to the diver according to his requeststo inhale.

Demand valves are conventionally provided with an exhalation valve whichallows the diver to exhale. The exhalation valve is generally anelastomer component fastened to the body of the demand valve housing.The exhalation valve is a fragile and flexible component which isgenerally protected by a deflector having one or more openings forexpelling the exhaled gas. This deflector also makes it possible totransfer the exhaled bubbles away from the diver's field of view.

An object of the present invention is to provide a regulating device forsupplying breathable gas, particularly for a diveres mouthpiece, havingan improved operation over the prior art and particularly having animproved structure of the exhalation gas deflector.

To this end, the regulating device for the supply of breathable gasaccording to the invention, otherwise conforming to the genericdefinition given by the preamble above, is essentially characterized inthat the exhalation port provided with a valve is situated substantiallyin the vicinity of a lower end of the housing, and in that the deflectorhas a generally tubular shape, the second end of the deflector beingopen and forming an outlet for the exhaled gas that is situatedconcentrically around part of the hose.

Moreover, embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more of thefollowing features:

the hose is connected to the housing at the inlet port via connectionmeans made of heat-conducting, for example metal, material, and saidconnecting means are situated inside that portion of the deflectorconcentric to the hose,

the gas outlet port is situated substantially in the vicinity of anupper end of the housing,

the inlet port is situated substantially at a first median lateral endof the housing,

the housing has a rear face directed toward the user in the use positionand a front face arranged on the opposite side to the rear face, and thesecond end of the deflector is slightly bent upwardly and rearwardly,

the device has at least one of the following members: a member forcontrolling the flow of gas admitted to the outlet port, and a memberfor controlling the force required to open the regulating valve, and atleast one operating element which can be actuated manually projects at asecond lateral end of the housing, said operating element being designedto operate one or both control members, and the second end of thedeflector projects from a first lateral end of the housing situated inan opposite manner to the operating element,

the second end of the deflector has a single opening situated along thelongitudinal axis of the tubular deflector, the opening having adiameter which is substantially equal to the inside diameter of thetubular portion.

Other specific features and advantages will become apparent on readingthe description below given with reference to the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aregulating device for supplying breathing gas to a diver according tothe invention,

FIG. 2 represents a simplified, schematic view of the device of FIG. 1,illustrating its structure and its operation,

FIG. 3 represents a schematic side view of the device as seen in thedirection C of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the breathable gas supply device comprises ahousing 1 provided with an inlet port 21 for the pressurized supply gas.The supply gas is conveyed, for example, from a pressurized cylinder viaa hose 6 whose end is provided with a connection system 7, for example ametal one, which is, for example, screwed into the housing 1, moreparticularly to the mechanism for regulating the gas from the cylinder.

As represented, the inlet port 21 can be situated at a first lateral andmedian end of the housing 1.

The housing 1 also has a gas outlet port 2 intended to be connected tothe divers respiratory system via a mouthpiece 8. The gas outlet port 2is preferably situated in the upper part of the housing 1 and in thevicinity of the rear face of said housing (face directed toward the userin the use configuration).

Between the inlet port 21 and the outlet port 2 the device comprises aregulating valve system 3 which is known per se and which, for reasonsof simplification, is depicted by a horizontal cylindrical body. Anonlimiting example of the known regulating valve system is described indocument EP 0 512 887. Of course, any other equivalent regulatingmechanism may be contemplated.

The regulating valve system 3 may comprise a member (not shown) forcontrolling the flow of gas admitted to the outlet port and/or a member(not shown either) for controlling the force required to open theregulating valve. The (flow and/or opening force) control member ormembers can be operated by one or more operating elements 9 which can beactuated manually. For example, such an operating element 9, comprisinga rotary knob, may project laterally on one side of the housing 1.

The housing 1 additionally comprises an exhalation port provided with anexhalation valve 4 to allow exhalation gases to be expelled to theoutside.

The exhalation port provided with the exhalation valve 4 is preferablysituated substantially in the vicinity of a lower end of the housing 1,on the rear side (toward the user).

The device also comprises a deflector 5 which guides the exhaled gasbetween a first end connected to the exhalation valve 4 and a second end15 situated in a defined region outside the housing 1. The deflector 5may be integral with the housing 1 or attached thereto.

The deflector 5 extends with a generally tubular shape from theexhalation valve 4 to the end of the breathable gas delivery hose 6.Thus, immediately after the exhalation valve 4, the deflector 5 may havean upstream portion 115 situated at the rear of the housing 1 (userside). According to an advantageous feature, the deflector 5 thenextends concentrically around the hose 6, the element 7 for connectingthe hose to the housing 1 being situated inside said tubular deflector5.

For example, the tubular deflector 5 has a diameter of between 3 and 5cm, particularly at its open end. Preferably, too, the second end 15 ofthe deflector 5 is situated at a distance from the axis of the housing 1of between 6 and 10 cm.

Likewise, the terminal end of the deflector 5 may be slightly bentupwardly (with respect to the user) and rearwardly (toward the user).

The path of the exhaled gas has been depicted by an arrow G in FIG. 2.The exhaled gas enters the upper part of the housing 1 through theoutlet port 2 and then makes its way around the regulating valvemechanism 3 before leaving the housing 1 again through the lowerexhalation valve 4. After passing through the exhalation valve 4, thegas is guided into the deflector 5 and exits it through the single endport 15. Preferably, the gas path is substantially rectilinear in the(slightly bent) deflector 5. The deflector 5 guides the gas over agreater distance than the known systems.

The Applicant has found that the device according to the invention,while having a simple and compact structure, allows better release ofthe bubbles from the divers field of view than in the systems of theprior art.

Moreover, the device according to the invention provides bettercirculation of exhaled gases between the outlet port 2 and the externalenvironment (less turbulence and fewer pressure drops).

Finally, the exhaled gas stream is guided so as to exchange heat withthe regulating mechanism and the metal mounting part 7 of the hose 6.The exhaled gas which comes from the divers lungs is relatively hot andconsequently heats the body of the demand valve mechanism 3 and also theconnector 7 of the hose 6. The fact is that the demand valve has atendency to cool during the inhalation phase due to the gas expanding.This gas path according to the invention promotes better removal of theheat losses arising as the gas expands during the inhalation phase.

1. A regulating device for supplying breathable gas to a diver,comprising housing (1) which incorporates a regulating valve mechanism(3) between an inlet port (21) for the supply gas and an outlet port (2)where the gas emerges to be breathed, the housing (1) additionallycomprising an exhalation port provided with an exhalation valve (4) toallow the exhalation gases to be expelled to the outside, the devicecomprising a deflector (5) which guides the exhaled gas between a firstend connected to the exhalation valve (4) and a second end (15) situatedin a defined region outside the housing (1), the gas being conveyed tothe inlet port (21) via a hose (6) which can be connected to apressurized gas source, wherein the exhalation port provided with avalve (4) is situated substantially in the vicinity of a lower end ofthe housing (1), and wherein the deflector (5) has a generally tubularshape, the second end (15) of the deflector (5) being open and formingan outlet for the exhaled gas that is situated concentrically aroundpart of the hose (6).
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein thehose (6) is connected to the housing (1) at the inlet port (21) viaconnection means (7) made of heat-conducting, for example, metal,material, and wherein said connecting means (7) are situated inside thatportion of the deflector concentric to the hose (6).
 3. The device asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the gas outlet port (2) is situatedsubstantially in the vicinity of an upper end of the housing (1).
 4. Thedevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet port (21) is situatedsubstantially at a first median lateral end of the housing (1).
 5. Thedevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (1) has a rear facedirected toward the user in the use position and a front face arrangedon the opposite side to the rear face, and wherein the second end of thedeflector (5) is slightly bent upwardly and rearwardly.
 6. The device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the device has at least one of the followmembers: a member for controlling the flow of gas admitted to the outletport, and a member for controlling the force required to open theregulating valve, and wherein at least one operating element (9) whichcan be actuated manually projects at a second lateral end of the housing(1), said operating element (9) being designed to operate one or bothcontrol members, and wherein the second end (15) of the deflector (5)projects from a first lateral end of the housing (1) situated in anopposite manner to the operating element (9).
 7. The device as claimedin claim 1, wherein the second end (15) of the deflector 5 has a singleopening situated along the longitudinal axis of the tubular deflector(5), the opening having a diameter which is substantially equal to theinside diameter of the tubular portion.
 8. The device as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the gas outlet port (2) is situated substantially inthe vicinity of an upper end of the housing (1).
 9. The device asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the inlet port (21) is situatedsubstantially at a first median lateral end of the housing (1).
 10. Thedevice as claimed in claim 2, wherein the housing (1) has a rear facedirected toward the user in the use position and a front face arrangedon the opposite side to the rear face, and wherein the second end of thedeflector (5) is slightly bent upwardly and rearwardly.
 11. The deviceas claimed in claim 2, wherein the device has at least one of the followmembers: a member for controlling the flow of gas admitted to the outletport, and a member for controlling the force required to open theregulating valve, and wherein at least one operating element (9) whichcan be actuated manually projects at a second lateral end of the housing(1), said operating element (9) being designed to operate one or bothcontrol members, and wherein the second end (15) of the deflector (5)projects from a first lateral end of the housing (1) situated in anopposite manner to the operating element (9).
 12. The device as claimedin claim 2, wherein the second end (15) of the deflector 5 has a singleopening situated along the longitudinal axis of the tubular deflector(5), the opening having a diameter which is substantially equal to theinside diameter of the tubular portion.
 13. The device as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the inlet port (21) is situated substantially at afirst median lateral end of the housing (1).
 14. The device as claimedin claim 3, wherein the housing (1) has a rear face directed toward theuser in the use position and a front face arranged on the opposite sideto the rear face, and wherein the second end of the deflector (5) isslightly bent upwardly and rearwardly.
 15. The device as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the device has at least one of the follow members: amember for controlling the flow of gas admitted to the outlet port, anda member for controlling the force required to open the regulatingvalve, and wherein at least one operating element (9) which can beactuated manually projects at a second lateral end of the housing (1),said operating element (9) being designed to operate one or both controlmembers, and wherein the second end (15) of the deflector (5) projectsfrom a first lateral end of the housing (1) situated in an oppositemanner to the operating element (9).
 16. The device as claimed in claim3, wherein the second end (15) of the deflector 5 has a single openingsituated along the longitudinal axis of the tubular deflector (5), theopening having a diameter which is substantially equal to the insidediameter of the tubular portion.
 17. The device as claimed in claim 4,wherein the housing (1) has a rear face directed toward the user in theuse position and a front face arranged on the opposite side to the rearface, and wherein the second end of the deflector (5) is slightly bentupwardly and rearwardly.
 18. The device as claimed in claim 4, whereinthe device has at least one of the follow members: a member forcontrolling the flow of gas admitted to the outlet port, and a memberfor controlling the force required to open the regulating valve, andwherein at least one operating element (9) which can be actuatedmanually projects at a second lateral end of the housing (1), saidoperating element (9) being designed to operate one or both controlmembers, and wherein the second end (15) of the deflector (5) projectsfrom a first lateral end of the housing (1) situated in an oppositemanner to the operating element (9).
 19. The device as claimed in claim4, wherein the second end (15) of the deflector 5 has a single openingsituated along the longitudinal axis of the tubular deflector (5), theopening having a diameter which is substantially equal to the insidediameter of the tubular portion.
 20. The device as claimed in claim 5,wherein the device has at least one of the follow members: a member forcontrolling the flow of gas admitted to the outlet port, and a memberfor controlling the force required to open the regulating valve, andwherein at least one operating element (9) which can be actuatedmanually projects at a second lateral end of the housing (1), saidoperating element (9) being designed to operate one or both controlmembers, and wherein the second end (15) of the deflector (5) projectsfrom a first lateral end of the housing (1) situated in an oppositemanner to the operating element (9).